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Finance officer

Alternative titles for this job include Financial officer, finance clerk, treasurer

Finance officers manage the income and spending of an organisation, and maintain accurate financial records for reporting and compliance purposes.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could study for a degree in a subject like:

  • finance
  • accounting
  • business studies
  • business and management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could take a college course, which may help you get a trainee position with an organisation.

Courses include:

  • accounting and bookkeeping
  • business studies
  • business administration and finance
  • T Level in Accounting

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Accounts or Financial Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Assistant Accountant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to start as a finance assistant or accounts assistant, then move into a finance officer role through on-the-job training and promotion.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs. You'll usually need a minimum of 4 or 5 GCSEs, including maths and English.

Employers may also expect you to have relevant A levels, for instance maths or business studies, or equivalent qualifications.

Knowledge of accounting methods and experience of working in a financial department will be helpful.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could become a member of the Walbrook Institute London.

This would give you the opportunity to make contacts and find professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in finance from the Walbrook Institute London.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • financial management skills
  • knowledge of economics and accounting
  • business management skills
  • maths knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • leadership skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a finance officer, you could:

  • process financial transactions, using accounting software
  • help to produce financial forecasts
  • deal with payroll, invoices, expenses and VAT
  • resolve payment issues with external contractors
  • support work on financial audits
  • produce financial information reports for managers
  • make sure all work follows financial rules and regulations

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior or principal finance officer, or a finance manager. You could work for a commercial company or public sector organisation.

You could also train to become an accountant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Account Handler

  • Wage: £14,560 a year Annually
  • Location: Hereford

Business Admin Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £16,224 a year Annually
  • Location: HOWDEN ROAD, SILSDEN, KEIGHLEY
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in Business Administration

  • Provider: NOTTINGHAMSHIRE TRAINING GROUP LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: WORKSOP

Diploma in Business Administration

  • Provider: STARTING OFF LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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